Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds donate $2m to help migrant children
'We’re grateful to give back to organisations who give voice to so many'
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Your support makes all the difference.Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have taken a stand against the separation of migrant children from their families at the US-Mexico border.
On Wednesday evening, the A-list couple announced that they have donated $2m (£1,600,000) to two different organisations that work to protect the rights of migrant children: NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund (LDF) and the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights.
In an official statement, Lively and Reynolds explained how grateful they are to be able to give back to companies that have helped so many.
“We’re blown away by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and the Young Center’s commitment to not only justice and democracy, but humanity,” the couple said.
“Over the last few years, our perspective has grown and we’ve realised we have to do everything possible to foster more compassion and empathy in this world.
“History’s being written right now. We’re grateful to give back to organisations who give voice to so many.”
The couple added that their donations will support the LDF’s “ongoing and expanded efforts to strengthen our democracy and advance racial justice”.
Meanwhile, their gift to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights “will help to establish the Waymaker Fund for Immigrant Children, which will protect the rights of immigrant children separated from their families”.
Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel at LDF, said the organisation is “thrilled” to receive the generous donation from Lively and Reynolds.
“We have been impressed by the strength of their commitment and support, and by their sincere and deep concern about the issues that lie at the core of LDF’s work,” Ifill said in a statement.
“They are among an increasing circle of artists and everyday people who recognise that each of us must play a role in protecting and strengthening our democracy, and who understand that racial justice is central to the integrity of our nation.”
Maria Woltjen, executive director of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, added: “We are so deeply grateful for this extraordinary gift from Blake and Ryan.
“Their donation will help ensure that the most vulnerable immigrant children — who are in detention facing deportation — will have an advocate to protect their rights and their best interests.”
This isn’t the first time the couple have pledged their support to charitable organisations.
The Deadpool star has given his support to organisations such as F*** Cancer and the Michael J. Fox Foundation, where he sits on the board of directors.
Reynolds has also collaborated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to bring children onto his film sets for meet and greets.
Similarly, Lively has worked alongside organisations such as Chime for Change, a global initiative founded by Beyonce, Salma Hayek and former Gucci creative director Frida Giannini, which raises awareness of gender equality.
The Gossip Girl star was also honoured for her work fighting against child pornography at Variety's Power of Women event in 2017.
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